“People will forget what you said, they will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

One of the biggest questions we hear from leaders today is:
“How do I get my team to care as much as I do?”

It’s a fair question. As businesses evolve and grow, especially in times of uncertainty, we need more than just smart minds and skilled hands. People who want to be there. Who want to build something. Who feel proud of their work.

In short, we need a willing team.

Willingness is that invisible spark which makes people show up with energy, take initiative, support each other, and keep going even when tougher times.

So, how do we build that kind of a team?
Here are a few ideas we have seen which will work well in our own journey at Groval Selectia, and with many of the leaders we coach and consult with.

1. Start With Trust, Always

People give their best when they feel safe, seen, heard, and valued for who they are, not just what they do.

Leadership tips :

• Be honest, even when the news is not perfect.
• Listen and really listen when your team speaks.
• Keep your word, even on small things.

Trust is not built in big moments. It is built daily in the way we show up, speak, and follow through.

2. Help People See the Bigger Picture

No one likes doing work that feels meaningless. When people understand why their role matters, they are more likely to own it with pride.

Leadership tips :

• Share the project’s purpose.
• Connect individual roles to company goals.
• Celebrate customer successes and team wins.

When people feel like they are part of something larger, they show up differently.

3. Celebrate Small Wins, Often

Motivation fades when effort goes unnoticed. Simple, sincere appreciation can go a long way in building a positive, willing culture.

Leadership tips : 

• Say “thank you” more often.
• Celebrate progress, not just big outcomes.
• Recognise effort, not just results.

When people feel valued, they bring more value.

4. Make Work Easier, Not Harder

A motivated team works best when they have the freedom to do their job without too much paperwork or unnecessary approvals.

Leadership tips :

• Simplify rules where you can.
• Give teams more control over how they work.
• Remove bottlenecks that slow them down.

People are more willing when they feel trusted.

5. Lead by Example

Your team is always watching. If you show commitment, kindness, and resilience, chances are they will too.

Leadership tips

• Show up with purpose, even on hard days.
• Own your mistakes and learn from them.
• Stay calm and kind under pressure.

Willingness spreads. And it often starts with you.

6. Invite Ideas and Involvement

People support what they help create. When you involve your team in decisions or improvements, they feel a sense of ownership.

Leadership tips: 

• Ask for their input before making decisions.
• Let them try new approaches or solve problems.
• Encourage them to lead small projects.

When people feel heard, they also feel responsible in a good way.

Reflective Questions:

• Do my team members feel safe and respected at work?
• Am I giving them clarity on the bigger mission?
• Do I recognise and appreciate the good things they do each week?
• Am I creating space for them to grow and lead?

Take a few moments to reflect. Sometimes small shifts in how we lead can create big changes in how people feel and show up.

Let us Build Willing Teams Together

At Groval Selectia, we work with leaders to create strong, human-centred teams, the teams that don’t just perform, but genuinely want to grow together.

If you are looking to build a culture of ownership, energy, and trust, we would love to be part of that journey.

Reach out to us at [email protected] to learn more about how we can help your people bring their best to work.

Explore more from our Sales Leadership Coaching

Let’s not just ask our teams to be better.
Let’s create the kind of workplaces where they want to be their best.